About Us

The Peace Network of the Ozarks (PNO) organizing meeting took place October 12, 2002, in response to our government’s calling for a preemptive attack against Iraq. Approximately 70 people gathered to join hands and hearts in a commitment to peace.

Our first opportunity for action occurred five days later, when President Bush visited Springfield. We called for a protest rally against United States’ intentions to launch a war, and approximately 400 people showed up, surprising President Bush’s supporters as well as ourselves. We knew then we had the support we needed to make the presence of peace visible in the Ozarks!

Our active work trying to prevent the war included weekly “Honks for Peace” vigils, educational forums, rallies to supply food to our own needy here in the Ozarks, video viewing and discussion meetings, and encouraging other organizations to promote peace.

Joining Peace Network of the Ozarks provides opportunities to work to achieve the following mission: Our democracy can only be true when we participate actively in its formulation. People everywhere are invited to join us in our efforts, as we promote peace through individual and group actions. .